Hardware Complete 3ds NOOB questions

[rcazador]

Hello all

My only past handheld console was a first gen PSP which I didn't like very much in the short time before it failed. I've always liked GBA games especially Pokemon games and so I'm now planning to get a Nintendo device.

I'm mainly looking to play older GBA and DS titles and perhaps a few 3DS titles when I can afford them. My question is, if I get a 3DS or 3DS XL and a flash card can I get the ROMs for older games to work. Let me be clear I'm not interested in pirating any of the new 3ds games. Is this realistically possible (ie it doesn't take crazy hacks and is buggy as hell when it decides to work).

Sorry if this question has been asked before. I've spent an hour on Google and I've heard all sorts of opinions, some say it's easily done, others say the 3ds doesn't support flash cards or GBA etc... So please help out. Should I be looking for a DS or an older model for GBA support (would prefer a 3ds for newer games in the future)?

Thank you.

 

[Harsky]

Buy the DSTwo. It has the option to allow GBA emulators to run from the cart itself.

OR

Buy a DS lite, an R4i Gold card and an EZ Flash 3 in 1 card that slots into the GBA slot. I've got this set up and I've filled the R4i card with tons of GBA games and it runs perfectly.

If you do get the DStwo, the team behind the card have a good track record in providing firmware that beats Nintendo's flashcard blocking attempt.

 

[CalebW]

If you get a DSTwo it can support some GBA games, the roms are relatively easily to find, don't ask here, google is you friend. A 3ds would work fine, if you get one I would suggest buying one with a 2012 copyright one the box for version 4.5 so you can perhaps use homebrew in the future...

 

[rcazador]

If you get a DSTwo it can support some GBA games, the roms are relatively easily to find, don't ask here, google is you friend. A 3ds would work fine, if you get one I would suggest buying one with a 2012 copyright one the box for version 4.5 so you can perhaps use homebrew in the future...

Thanks for replying. Yep I'm familiar with googling for stuff that isn't an issue. Just one thing, you say support for some GBA, does that mean limited support or does it support all games?

Buy the DSTwo. It has the option to allow GBA emulators to run from the cart itself.

OR

Buy a DS lite, an R4i Gold card and an EZ Flash 3 in 1 card that slots into the GBA slot. I've got this set up and I've filled the R4i card with tons of GBA games and it runs perfectly.

If you do get the DStwo, the team behind the card have a good track record in providing firmware that beats Nintendo's flashcard blocking attempt.

Thanks man. I appreciate it, with its support for GBA the DS lite is looking solid, but my only doubts about the DS lite is the lack support for future games. Will the 3DS also have full support for GBA games? I read somewhere that the GBA emulators don't run very well on the 3DS. So will that be a buggy experience?

 

[CalebW]

Sorry, I can't tell you how good the emulator works as I've never used DSTWO

 

[rcazador]

Sorry, I can't tell you how good the emulator works as I've never used DSTWO

Happens mate, no helping that, your info is much appreciated

 

[Harsky]

Thanks for replying. Yep I'm familiar with googling for stuff that isn't an issue. Just one thing, you say support for some GBA, does that mean limited support or does it support all games?


Thanks man. I appreciate it, with its support for GBA the DS lite is looking solid, but my only doubts about the DS lite is the lack support for future games. Will the 3DS also have full support for GBA games? I read somewhere that the GBA emulators don't run very well on the 3DS. So will that be a buggy experience?

This compatibility list should tell you what to expect in terms of GBA support on the DSTwo:

http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/DSTWO_GBA_Emulator_Compatibility

Apparently the emulator has last been updated in September this year.

 

[rcazador]

That compatibility list looks encouraging. I was looking at shops to get the dstwo when I noticed R4i and eckiard(forgive the spelling) both of which mention some form of GBA support while being cheaper. Are they viable alternatives or pathetic compared to the DStwo? What's the difference?


EDIT: looked around the forum looks like r4i support for GBA is poor at best so I'm dropping that idea.

 

[rcazador]

This compatibility list should tell you what to expect in terms of GBA support on the DSTwo:

http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/DSTWO_GBA_Emulator_Compatibility

Apparently the emulator has last been updated in September this year.

Thanks it seems to have pretty much all the games I've ever wanted to play on a GBA

 

[Harsky]

That compatibility list looks encouraging. I was looking at shops to get the dstwo when I noticed R4i and eckiard(forgive the spelling) both of which mention some form of GBA support while being cheaper. Are they viable alternatives or pathetic compared to the DStwo? What's the difference?


EDIT: looked around the forum looks like r4i support for GBA is poor at best so I'm dropping that idea.

The R4i and the Acekard do offer GBA support BUT they require the EZ Flash 3 in 1 accessory. I think most people's experience with the R4i GBA playback is because they were using the older EZ Flash 3 in 1 accessory. There were some revisions where they added some more ram which is the one I got and it works okay with all the rom I wanted to play. But if the idea of DS games AND GBA on one cart on a 3DS then yes, the money is worth it for the DSTwo.

 

[innercy]

last month i desperately searching for flashkart that can play gba. later decided to buy new gameboy micro and m3 perfect. yea price for new gb micro is expensive but it worth a lot.

 

[rcazador]

last month i desperately searching for flashkart that can play gba. later decided to buy new gameboy micro and m3 perfect. yea price for new gb micro is expensive but it worth a lot.

I just checked it out. While I appreciate the suggestion I also want something to play the huge list of DS games so a micro isn't an option...

Right now I'm looking out for Black Friday deals for the 3ds and xl.

What are the chances we'll see a major revision and a totally new handheld in the near future (first half of 2014)?

 

[innercy]

I just checked it out. While I appreciate the suggestion I also want something to play the huge list of DS games so a micro isn't an option...

Right now I'm looking out for Black Friday deals for the 3ds and xl.

What are the chances we'll see a major revision and a totally new handheld in the near future (first half of 2014)?

Supercard DS Two. It suit your need although not a perfect choice for Gba but great for DS games.

 

[rcazador]

Supercard DS Two. It suit your need although not a perfect choice for Gba but great for DS games.

Yeah decided on that and put in an order since shipping times are rather long, now waiting for the BFriday sales to snag a 3ds xl.
Thanks everyone